How to Plan a Hawaiian Luau

Had your heart set on going to Hawaii this summer? Well, you can turn your backyard into a tropical paradise by throwing a luau for you and your friends! Get Kidzworld's party planning tips right here!

You Are Kono (Invited)!

Get your pals to dress up in tropical duds, like floral bikinis and surf shorts. Leis and grass skirts are also an absolute must for any luau! You can buy them at the dollar store, but come on - it's way more fun to make 'em! For the leis, set out real or fake flowers with some needle and thread. Your mom can help everyone string the flowers together. Whether you're using real or fake ones, try using flowers that actually grow in Hawaii, like orchids, hibiscus, carnations and birds of paradise. For the grass skirts, cut out strips of green crepe paper and tape them around the waist of everyone's shorts. You can also use the flowers and crepe paper to decorate your tables and chairs.

Get Your Hula On

Set up tiki torches in your backyard, crank up some Hawaiian music and learn to do the hula, which is the ancient art of Hawaiian dancing. All ya have to do is bend your knees, sway your hips and let your hands do the talking! Here are a few moves to get you started.

Swaying Tree - With your left hand, hold your right arm at the elbow while the right arm and fingers make a swaying motion.

Mountain - Raise your arms sideways with palms facing away from you, one hand higher than the other. One hand is the peak of the mountain, the other is the slope.

Ocean - Roll your hands over each other.

Tropical Treats

After all the fun and games, your friends are gonna be hungry for some cool tropical eats. Prepare fruit kebabs (fruits on sticks!) by cutting fruit into large chunks. Some fruits to try are pineapples, bananas, mangoes and papayas. Stick 'em onto skewers, alternating different fruits. Order Hawaiian pizza and serve up some fruit punch in coconut shells. Don't forget to add the cocktail umbrellas!

For more great theme party ideas, check out the book Let's Party! by Alison Bell!